So Very Thankful...

We are so incredibly thankful for the wonderful people we have met and become friends with here in Greenville! We had a memorable Thanksgiving feast at Lee and Catie Murphy's home, and were lucky to spend it with the Smitherman family as well. Lee is a 2nd year orthopaedic resident with Matt, and Adam Smitherman is a 4th year orthopaedic resident. We enjoyed new Southern traditions and amazing food! A new Southern dish we loved was rice and gravy. Yummy! Thanks to both the Murphy's and Smitherman's for making this holiday so special while we are away from family...

I must add that I successfully accomplished making yeast rolls for the first time FROM SCRATCH! The recipe I used goes way back in our family and was not easy (at least for me!). I even had leftover dough that I used to whip up a pan of cinnamon rolls, which turned out great as well! I think I was nervous for a week before making them. I also felt extra pressure serving them to infamous Southern cooks! But, all turned out well! We wish all of our friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels! Let the shopping begin!


Such a beautiful presentation
at the Murphy home for
Thanksgiving dinner!

Our family away from family
here in Greenville...

Nothing like 3 boys in

sweater vests! Sweet baby

girl, Sullivan, is observing.

A shot of the Hollenbeck family
at the end of a wonderful
Thanksgiving meal...Dane had
already slipped into his jammies.

Try, Try again...

This was the best picture I got during my attempt to get a picture for the Christmas cards. Needless to say, we'll be trying again this weekend. At least they love each other and have lots of fun wrestling and playing...that is more priceless than a good picture of them smiling at the camera. Gotta love the cute holiday jammies!

Like Grandpa, Like Grandson

When Dane was born, I immediately said, "He looks like my Dad!" I have said that ever since with some people agreeing and some not. For those of you who have not agreed with me, check out these pictures of my Dad when he was a little boy. Especially the second one! Compare it to the picture currently at the top of our blog. When I went back to my parents' for a visit last weekend we enjoyed looking through an old box of photos. I had asked to look through them to confirm my belief that Dane looked just like my Dad. I think this time I can say I was right!

Re-entry

I arrived back in Greenville on Tuesday evening. I say Greenville, and not home, because I went straight to a PTA meeting after landing. Nothing like jumping right back in! I always have said re-entry is tough after being gone on a vacation or some sort of a break from reality. I will say this time tough wasn't an accurate description. There is nothing like turning a corner from walking down a long, stale corridor in the airport to see your husband and two kids. I swear Blake and Dane grew a foot. Blake immediately signed "mommy" and ran towards me. Re-entry isn't bad after all. The time away was just what I needed, and I enjoyed every minute with my parents. We spent time shopping, looking through old photos, simply hanging out...and what seemed like a lot of time eating :) I never truly realized how cold, drab, and dreary the midwest is this time of year. When I looked out of the airplane window upon landing in Des Moines I did not locate one single leaf on a tree. I am fairly certain I did not see the sun once while there. But, I am NOT complaining. It was a fantastic trip and I just grew to appreciate the differences in climate and culture. However, after feeling 27 degrees with significant wind every night and after arriving to snow flurries, I think I'll savor my time in South Carolina.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

In 56 hours (but who's counting), I will be taking off from Greenville-Spartanburg airport for a 4 day trip to Des Moines, Iowa. I will be visiting my parents...alone. While I can't wait to eat slowly, sit still for more than 1 minute and have a nice visit with my parents, I couldn't help but realize why I am going to Iowa in November? So, I decided to call my parents for a weather check before packing the majority of my things tonight. The answer from my Mom was...30's during the day, 20's at night with snow showers on Friday morning. WHAT? It was 70 degrees and sunny here today.

Everyone who knows me well knows I love the cold and love breaking out my Uggs and sweaters, but I am getting used to South Carolina weather. I noticed today that the trees are somehow brighter and more beautiful than in Kansas City. I then realized it is not only because there are millions of trees all bunched together with an array of colors everywhere you turn (versus one standing alone that is sort of yellow like in KC), but the colors sure look better when the sun in shining on them and you can be outside to enjoy them not freezing to death. I find myself driving around Greenville smiling at the colors and saying to myself, "now THIS is God's country!"

So, I am leaving on a jet plane away from my two boys for the first time. Pray for me...and I guess for Matt, too, who will be sole provider for those 4 days :) I will miss them! Although I will feel somewhat lost without them, I know I am going to have a wonderful time with my parents and get some rest and relaxation, albeit with a chill. To all my friends and family, I hope you'll make time to travel to the Carolina mountains during the Fall at some point in your life - whether we live here or not - to see the beauty firsthand.

Halloween...

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A montage of the Hollenbeck Halloween adventures. Pictures from our home, The Meyer Center (Blake's school) and from our friends', The Barden's, where we went trick or treating!

The Birthday Boy!

Dane wasn't thrilled to be a part of all the bells and whistles that were his first birthday celebration. Bless his heart, he had a tough day with no nap and his 12-month pediatrician appointment that consisted of 3 shots. Bummer! So, by the time we all gathered for a cupcake and singing he had reached his limit. He did enjoy the cupcake and managed a few smiles after tasting the yummy frosting, and he had fun opening presents and exploring his new toys. Thanks to those who were a part of his big day...and for those who were not able to be there, we have it all on video. The only problem is the camera is so high-tech we have no clue how to get it onto the blog. Just give us time and we'll get it posted...he may be 2 years old by then, but that's okay!